Brendan Williams: 40 Under 40

The young lobbyists with the most influence in Washington

As lead lobbyist for the industry group representing more than 450 producers of substances such as jet fuel, gasoline, and the chemicals that make up plastics, cell phones, and medicines, Williams spends nearly all his time educating the Hill about how his segment of the oil industry works and where it fits into the energy-policy agenda. He has eight years of experience as a congressional staffer—most of them devoted to energy issues. Williams, who joined the association in 2007, is currently making the case to lawmakers that overregulation of the petroleum industry will take a toll on jobs and the economy.